Author(s)

H.-T. Mengelkamp, J. Sutmöller, H. Messal & K.-P. Johnsen

Abstract

Hydrologic models commonly contain parameters that can only be inferred by a trial-and-error process that adjusts the parameter values to closely match the input-output behaviour of the model to the real system it represents. Traditional calibration procedures, which involve manual adjustment of the parameter values are labour-intensive, and their success is strongly dependent on the experience of the modeller. This paper describes the application of the objective calibration methodology SCE-UA (Shuffled Complex Evolution – University of Arizona) to the hydrological model SEROS for the Odra watershed. SEROS combines the rainfall-runoff model SEWAB (Surface Energy and Water Balance) and a routing scheme. Simulated and observed time periods of the discharge show reasonable agreement during the calibration period as well as for the verification period. The latter includes the 1997 major flooding event. Keywords: objective calibration, rainfall-runoff model, routing scheme, Odra watershed. 1 Introduction Hydrologic models commonly contain parameters that can only be inferred by a trial-and-error process that adjusts the parameter values to closely match the input-output behaviour of the model to the real system it represents. Traditional calibration procedures, which involve manual adjustment of the parameter values are labour-intensive, and their success is strongly dependent on the experience of the modeller. Automatic methods for model calibration are objective. However, many studies have shown that such methods have difficulties in finding unique parameter estimates. Most hydrological methods suffer from similar problems,

Keywords

objective calibration, rainfall-runoff model, routing scheme, Odra watershed.